Evolution toward simpler, less risky multilateral wells

Examples of new TAML Level 3 and 6 installations show how industry is moving toward more functional, less complicated ML completions

June 2001 Vol. 222 No. 6
Feature Article

DRILLING/WELL COMPLETION

Evolution toward simpler, less risky multilateral wells

Examples show how industry is moving toward more functional multilateral completions, but with less complicated installations

This article discusses a paradigm shift in multilateral (ML) technology. The new focus is away from increasingly complex completion installations and toward simple, yet highly functional completions.

The presentation reviews the TAML multilateral classification system, then traces Level 3 ML completion technology from original to current configurations. The latest iteration retains simplicity, while adding full reentry functionality into both main-bore and lateral completions. The discussion then addresses pre-engineered Level 6 ML solutions that, by definition, uniquely embrace simplicity, while providing optimal functionality.

Following this discussion, case studies from Venezuela, Nigeria and the U.S. illustrate installation procedures, operational issues, resulting efficiencies and economies, and opportunities to further improve the technology.


	This article was adapted from a professional society paper for which World Oil was granted the right to print one time only. Therefore, to review the article, you should refer to the actual World Oil magazine in which it originally appeared.

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